Because we all get sick or suffer from some sort of emotional or physical adversity no matter our status in life, talking about hope and recovery is something we frequently do. There will also be lots of moments when we need to comfort friends and loved ones who are experiencing some setbacks. Here’s a look at some common idioms around the topic of hope, being positive or about things getting better.
1. Things are looking up When someone says "things are looking up," they mean that the situation is improving. This idiom is often used after a period of difficulty, suggesting that better times are on the horizon. Example: "After a tough year, things are finally looking up for the company." 2. To have come a long way If you say that someone has come a long way, it means that they have made a lot of progress compared to when they first started. It could also mean that they have become really successful. Example: "From her beginnings just selling cookies to neighbors from her small kitchen, to now operating five bakeries in different cities, she has indeed come a long way." 3. To be back on one's feet A person who gets back on their feet becomes healthy again after an illness or injury, especially if they are able to walk again or just physically able to move around. This expression can also be used to talk about recoveries in general, such as that of the economy or an industry. Example: "Grandma can't wait to get back on her feet and tending to her vegetable garden after a bout with pneumonia." 4. To turn the corner "To turn the corner" means to pass a critical point in a process and begin to improve. It suggests that the worst is over and things will get better. Example: "After the surgery, she’s finally turning the corner and starting to feel better." 5. To be on the mend This idiom is more often used when talking about health but it can be applied to any situation that is improving after a setback. It implies a gradual process of recovery. Example: "He’s been on the mend since the accident and hopes to be back at work soon." 6. To get one's groove back This means to start to be happy, confident, or moving forward again after a difficult period. Example: "I am slowly getting my groove back and starting again after having to close my business last year." 7. To look on the bright side Encouraging someone to "look on the bright side" means advising them to focus on the positive aspects of a situation rather than the negatives. Example: "I know the vacation was canceled, but look on the bright side: we can save money for a bigger trip next year." 8. To see the light at the end of the tunnel This idiom suggests that a difficult or unpleasant situation is nearing an end, and that some improvement is expected to happen soon. It's like seeing a distant light after being in a dark tunnel, providing hope that the hard times will soon be over. Example: "After months of recovery and therapy, she finally sees the light at the end of the tunnel." 9. "Hang in there" To "hang in there" means to remain persistent despite difficult circumstances. This expression is said by itself as a form of encouragement to tell someone not to give up. Example: "The first few weeks on the job will be challenging but hang in there, keep learning how things are done, and you'll soon get more confident." 10. On the up and up When something is "on the up and up," it means it is steadily improving or becoming more successful. It’s often used in the context of business or personal progress. Example: "Tourism is on the up and up, helping local restaurants and hotels to recover from the pandemic." 11. A silver lining A "silver lining" refers to a positive aspect of a bad situation. This idiom encourages people to find something good even when experiencing something difficult. Example: "Losing the job was hard, but the silver lining is that he now has time to pursue his passion." These idioms can add color to our language and also serve as reminders to stay hopeful and positive. Whether we’re facing personal challenges or professional setbacks, these expressions help us voice out the belief that better days are ahead. So the next time you find yourself or someone else in need of a little optimism, try out these idioms and share some positivity.
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When I was young I thought that money was the most important thing in life; now that I am old I know that it is." Money is a central aspect of daily life, and naturally, there are as many idioms around it as there are sayings and jokes, although it's hard to tell if Oscar Wilde was joking or being wry (humorously sarcastic) when he said the words above. Anyhow, money idioms provide colorful and vivid ways to talk about financial situations, spending habits, and economic principles.
Here’s a look at some common idioms related to money and their meanings: 1. To break the bank Meaning: To spend more money than one can afford. Example: "We can go out for dinner, but let's not go anywhere that will break the bank." 2. To burn a hole in your pocket Meaning: When someone is very eager to spend money. Example: "That bonus is burning a hole in his pocket; he’s already planning to buy a new car." 3. A cash cow Meaning: A business or product that generates a steady, reliable stream of income. Example: "The new smartphone model has become the company’s cash cow." 4. To pay through the nose Meaning: To pay a lot of money for something. Example: "They paid through the nose for their new apartment in the city center." 5. Old money Meaning: People whose families have been rich for a long time; people who have inherited wealth Example: "They paid through the nose for their new apartment in the city center." 6. To pay top dollar Meaning: To pay a lot of money, especially the highest possible price, for something Example: "In a recession, it gets harder to find customers who are willing to pay top dollar for this kind of personalized product." 7. To foot the bill Meaning: To pay for something, usually something expensive. Example: "He generously offered to foot the bill for the entire dinner." 8. (To build) a nest egg Meaning: Savings that are set aside for future use, especially for retirement. Example: "She’s been building up a nest egg for years so she can afford to take a break and think about what's next in her career." 9. To throw money down the drain Meaning: To waste money or spend it carelessly Example: "Buying expensive clothes that you never wear is throwing money down the drain." 10. To throw money around Meaning: To spend money, especially in an obvious and careless way, on things that are not necessary Example: "Companies can no longer throw money around and spend lavishly on high-profile company gatherings just for publicity. 11. To throw money at something Meaning: To try to solve a problem by spending a lot of money on it but without really doing more thoughtful and practical things to improve it Example: "Because this problem is caused by many flaws in the system, we can't expect to solve it just by throwing money at it." 12. To cost an arm and a leg Meaning: To be very expensive. Example: "Their much publicized wedding ceremony cost an arm and a leg." 13. To bring home the bacon Meaning: To earn money to support a family; to achieve success Examples: "Being the only athlete from his country to compete in this sport, he felt so much pressure to bring home the bacon." "Both parents need to work hard to bring home the bacon in today's economy." 14. To go Dutch Meaning: To go somewhere as a group but with each person paying for his or her own meal, ticket, etc. Example: "People resisted the idea of going to the sushi restaurant until I suggested that we just go Dutch, after which mostly everyone agreed." 15. To have deep pockets Meaning: To have a lot of money or to be really wealthy Example: "I heard they travel abroad as much as five to six times a year. They must have deep pockets." 16. To make ends meet Meaning: To have just enough money to pay for the things that you need. Example: "We struggled to make ends meet when we lived in the city center and had to pay expensive rent." Try to make your own sentences using these idioms but remember that idioms are fixed expressions so we cannot usually alter them in terms of word order or with synonyms. It's worth noting as well, that idioms are used sparingly--you're not expected to use an idiom in every sentence because that would really make you sound strange. To sum up, using these expressions can not only enhance your fluency but will also boost your comprehension of the language, making your communication more engaging. Idioms are already a confusing part for any language learner. Adding to this perplexity are idioms that sound very much alike such as, "to run circles around someone" and "to run around in circles." They might sound similar at first, but they hold distinct meanings and are used in different contexts. In this article, we'll untangle these idioms and provide examples to illustrate their differences. 1. "To Run Circles Around Someone" When someone is said to "run circles around someone," it means that they show a remarkable level of skill, competence, or ability in comparison to another person. This idiom underscores the superiority or dominance of one individual over another in a specific skill or activity. It is often used to highlight the vast difference in capability between the two parties. Examples:
2. "To Run Around in Circles" Conversely, "to run around in circles" describes a situation where people or activities appear to be busy but lack purpose, direction, or progress. It conveys a sense of aimlessness, confusion, or inefficiency. When individuals or groups are said to be running around in circles, they may be doing or talking about the same thing without achieving meaningful results. Examples:
In summary, while both idioms involve the concept of "circles," they convey entirely different meanings and are used to describe distinct scenarios:
"To run circles around someone" praises exceptional competence and skill, highlighting one person's superiority over another in a particular area. "To run around in circles" depicts a state of disorganization or aimlessness, where people appear busy but make little or no progress. Understanding the nuances of idiomatic expressions like these can greatly enhance your ability to communicate effectively in English. So, next time you hear these idioms, you'll be able to run circles around any potential confusion regarding their meanings! |
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